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6 Posts
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479
August 5th, 2021 10:00
13 R1, question about restoring to factory settings
I'm getting an Alienware 13 R1 in a few days. I don't really like Windows 10 so I'll be downgrading it to 8.1. If I reset to factory settings, when booting would it not have secure boot? I've seen this problem with other people where it doesn't show the Alienware logo on the Windows splash screen. Would this be the same for me if I factory reset it?
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Mary G
6 Operator
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20.1K Posts
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August 5th, 2021 11:00
You cannot install windows 8 on new computers. The hardware and cpu are not supported--no drivers. Also Windows 8 is not supported anymore by Microsoft. You will learn to like Windows 10.
Lifecycle FAQ - Windows | Microsoft Docs
crimsom
9 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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August 5th, 2021 12:00
Hi @jade west I am not a fan of the Windows 10 (or 11) user interface and prefer the Windows 7 (8.1) user interface. Install Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements. The Windows 10 start menu is available in the Windows 7 start menu, should you need it. Windows 10 x64 Version 21H1 has been installed, and there are no Windows 7 (8.1) user interface problems. I have also installed Malware_bytes Free, Belarc Advisor, etc. and these all function correctly.
When Dell BIOS and POST finish, the Alienware logo splash screen appears, and then the Windows Logo appears during Boot. The Windows 10 x64 Version 21H1 operating system and security are installed. The Windows 7 (8.1) user interface is reinstated. Malware_bytes, Belarc Advisor, etc. all work as intended.
jade west
6 Posts
1
August 5th, 2021 13:00
as i haven't got it right now i'll try openshell, thanks
ejn63
12 Elder
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31K Posts
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August 5th, 2021 13:00
Since it's an older system, it will run 8.1, and if you have access to a factory image, it should restore the system to as-shipped. Windows 8.1 supports secure boot/UEFI as well.
That said, Windows 8.1 is on borrowed time. It goes end of life in January, 2023 -- so you have just over 16 months to run 8.1 before you will need to return it to Windows 10 (no, it won't run Windows 11).
If it arrives running Windows 10, leave it as is. If you want it to look like Windows 8.1, OpenShell can do that for you without the need to downgrade to an OS that won't be supported a whole lot longer.
jade west
6 Posts
1
August 5th, 2021 13:00
it is an r1 which was originally shipped with 8.1
A51-06
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August 5th, 2021 14:00
Well one thing to mention is that my Alienware 15 r1 had windows 8.1 installed on it which I didn’t like since it was made more for a touchscreen instead of desktop use. You should download windows 10 but like crimson said use open shell if you want. Also windows 8.1 hasn’t been updated in a while compared to windows 10 or even 7! If you wanted you could get the original driver CD for it and transfer it to a usb so the data is backed up?